‘Madness’ to create a cycle lane the length of ‘Death Mile’ road

Transport chiefs warned they are ‘just asking for trouble’ with planned new route

28 March, 2019

PLANS to carve a cycle route down a notoriously deadly stretch of road have been branded a “disaster” by objectors, who say it will make the street even more unsafe.

Transport for London (TfL) is consulting on proposals which could see a 7-mile cycle lane run along Camden Road – one of the main routes into Camden Town – to Seven Sisters Road and Tottenham Hale.

The route has seen numerous cyclist and pedestrian deaths and near-misses over the past decade. The New Journal reported last week how a pedestrian in his 60s was left in a critical condition after being hit by a number 29 bus in Camden Road, which has been nicknamed “Death Mile”.

TfL chiefs, who are looking at several options for the cycle route, are seeking feedback from people in Camden, Islington, Haringey and Hackney. But at a public meeting at Kentish Town Community Centre on Thursday residents said a cycle lane would make the rest of the road busier – and more dangerous.

Andrew Deans, who lives in Camden Road, said: “I have lived here for over three decades and I have seen the road get busier and busier. On Thursday, I saw there was still blood on the pavement from Tuesday’s accident. It is not nice as a resident and pedestrian to be reminded of this.”

He added: “It is extremely dangerous now with the volume of traffic and lorries. For TfL to make this [Camden Road] one of the cycle lanes is madness. It is just asking for trouble. TfL has a history of pushing things through regardless of public opinion.”

Bob Buchanan, who lives in nearby Camden Square, said: “Restricting roads further, like in Royal College Street, would be a disaster. Cyclists should be encouraged to use back-streets instead and at the same time restrict traffic in side streets.”

Nigel Hardy, TfL’s head of programme sponsorship, said: “We’re working to create Healthy Streets in Camden and connect even more people across the borough to our London-wide network, making it easier and safer to get around by bike and on foot.

“We’re asking people who live, work and move through the area for their initial thoughts on a proposed cycle route between Camden Town and Tottenham Hale and welcome all feedback on our proposals.”

A full public consultation will take place in May. Construction work could begin before the end of the year, according to TfL. To comment, email newcycleroutes@tfl.gov.uk and mention Tottenham Hale to Camden Road